Name /bks_53161_deglins_md_disk/pegaptanib 02/17/2014 08:51AM Plate # 0-Composite pg 1 # 1 Interactions Drug-Drug: None known. 1 pegaptanib (peg-apt-i-nib) Macugen Classification Therapeutic: ocular agents Pharmacologic: vascular endothelial growth-factor antagonists Pregnancy Category B PDF Page #1 Route/Dosage Intravitreal (Adults): 0.3 mg every 6 wk. NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment ● Assess eye for signs of infection frequently during week following injection. ● Check perfusion of optic nerve head immediately after injection, use tonometry to measure intraocular pressure within 30 min following the injection, and biomicroscopy between 2 and 7 days following injection. Increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 30 min of injection. Indications Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration. Action Acts as an antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF may be responsible for the formation of incompetent, leaky blood vessels associated with macular degeneration. Therapeutic Effects: Decreased rate of loss of visual acuity. Potential Nursing Diagnoses Pharmacokinetics Absorption: Slowly absorbed into systemic circulation after intravitreous adminis- ● Do not administer solutions that are discolored or contain particulate matter. At- tration. Distribution: Unknown. Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolized by exo- and endonucleases. Half-life: 10 days (plasma). TIME/ACTION PROFILE ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION Intravitreal unknown unknown 6 wk Disturbed sensory perception (Indications) Implementation tach threaded plastic threader rod to the rubber stopper inside barrel of syringe. Do not pull back on plunger. ● Adequate analgesia and a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be given prior to injection. ● Intravitreal: For ophthalmic intravitreal injection only. Patient/Family Teaching ● Advise patient to notify ophthalmologist immediately if eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or develops a change in vision. Contraindications/Precautions Contraindicated in: Ocular/periocular infections. Use Cautiously in: OB: Use only if maternal benefit outweighs fetal risk; Lactation: Pedi: Safety not established. Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ● Slowing of vision loss. Why was this drug prescribed for your patient? Adverse Reactions/Side Effects EENT: cataract, blurred vision, conjunctival bleeding, irritation/pain,qintraocular pressure, ocular inflammation, infection (rare), retinal detachment (rare), traumatic cataract formation (rare). Misc: Anaphylaxis, angioedema. ⫽ Canadian drug name. ⫽ Genetic Implication. CAPITALS indicate life-threatening, underlines indicate most frequent. Strikethrough ⫽ Discontinued.